Development of Self‐Healable Cellulose‐Based Electrolytes With Enhanced Ionic Conductivity for Sustainable Lithium‐Ion Batteries

ABSTRACT Energy storage technology has been developed and produced for decades, particularly for lithium batteries. This technology remains a leading market due to its applications in electronic goods, electric vehicles, energy storage systems, and other fields. Research and development efforts in this field aim to improve lithium‐ion energy density, energy and power density, and manufacturing costs. The present study addresses the development of lithium‐ion batteries by synthesizing bio‐self‐healing electrolytes from methylcellulose (MC) and cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB) as polymeric matrices, combined with lithium perchlorate (LiClO 4 ) and an imidazolium‐based ionic liquid (EMImTFSI) to enhance efficiency and functionality. Initial results are promising, since the synthesized electrolytes exhibit thermal stability at 216.4°C and 218°C, exhibit good self‐healing, efficiency of 55% and 80%, ionic conductivities of 1.1 × 10 −5 and 3.58 × 10 −4 S/cm for 20%‐doped and IL‐plasticized CAB and MC, respectively; a good electrochemical stability window until 4.4 V, and good mechanical and flexural strength, ensuring varied applications.